Rumours about country's leadership should not be spread

When PM Modi visited the RSS headquarters rumours about him were spread by Sanjay Raut of the Uddhav Thackeray Sena and on social media.

- ALOK MEHTA NEW DELHI

Do the world's most powerful leaders, such as Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping, face acceptance or rejection based on age, not only by the people of America, Russia, and China but also by the entire world? Trump is over 79, while Putin and Xi Jinping are both over 70. At present, apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who in India, whether in power or opposition, truly understands the strengths and weaknesses of these superpowers and can communicate with them while balancing India's interests? The people of India and the world are also aware of Modi's immense popularity within the country. Perhaps this is why some of his staunch opponents, certain organisations, or foreign powers are raising baseless discussions about Modi stepping down from the post of Prime Minister once he turns 75 in September. These rumours are being spread, suggesting that in 2014, he or the BJP had imposed this age limit for key positions. However, if one searches through the print, audio, and video records from not just the last 10 but the last 15 years, there will be no clear statement supporting such a claim.